Jaime Pratt (Coen), Norman Gibson (Weipa) and Nakoda David (Kowanyama) put their cultures on display with the exhibition. Photo: Adllins Media.
Self-portraits and cultural expression are helping students at AFL Cape York feel close to their roots as they work through their secondary education in Cairns.
More than 350 attendees filled the Pullman Cairns International for AFL Cape York’s second Me. The Exhibition show earlier this month to see the exquisite self-portraits of students based on this year’s theme, culture.
AFL Cape York transition teacher Amanda Black said the exhibition allowed students the opportunity to reflect on who they are and where they come from.
“The young people brainstormed, and were asked to describe their culture, what that culture represents, and how it represents them,” she said.
“Discussions were had on the various questions that people might ask of them and their culture – they were encouraged to go to the highest level of thinking in determining what the imagery may imply or suggest.
“They looked at all the details around the photography, including what artefacts and objects to use, and how they wanted to stand and move.”
With students as young as 12 moving away from their communities to pursue an education, Ms Black said they faced many challenges adjusting to life in a bigger city.
“AFL Cape York’s young people are constantly code-switching, all day, every day – at school, speaking and learning in another language with no students having English as their first language,” she said.
“With living 40 weeks of the year off Country away from family and community, these portraits allow young people an opportunity to have a guided, strength-based conversation where they can decide on how they want to present themselves and showcase their culture to the Cairns community.”
Ms Black said the exhibition was a “roaring success”, with many students already asking about next year’s show.
“The biggest takeaway was the confidence of our young people in having a second opportunity to participate in this project, and with a concept that they felt really connected to,” she said.
“The young people were really walking tall, and openly having conversations about their photographs with complete strangers.”
